Method of constructing valves or dampers in chimney-flues



N. SMlTH;

Chimney Flue.

Patented Jany 25, 1841.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

NORMAND SMITH, OF HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT.

METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING VALVES OR DAMPERS IN CHIMNEY-FLUES.

Specification of Letters Patent No. 1,949, dated January 25, 1841.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, NORMAND SMITH, of Hartford, in the county ofHartford and State of Connecticut, have invented a new and usefulApparatus to be Applied to the Flues of Chimneys; and Iv do herebydeclare that the following is a full and exact description.

The nature of my invention consists in an iron flue or frame, insertedin the brick work, at the throat of the chimney, with iron dampersresting in the rabbets of the frame both to regulate the draft and as asecurity against fire falling down the chimney from above.

To enable others skilled in the art to make and use my invention, I willproceed to describe its construction and operation. 1 construct a frame,(see A in the accompanying drawing,) which is intended to be a part ofthis specification; of cast or wrought iron, having rabbets B on theupper side to receive the dampers, C C shown in perspective in anotherfigure, one open and the other shut. This frame in form and dimensionsmust conform with that part of the flue usually called the throat, whereit is to be inserted in the brick work, 2?} inches above the mantel bar,in such manner as to admit of the dampers being freely opened or closed.

The above described apparatus is intended in its operation to regulatethe draft by opening one or more of the dampers; to check instantly theflame when the soot of the chimney has taken fire; by closing thedampers, thereby stopping the draft. The

dampers being shut the cold air from above is excluded and it providesalso an effectual security against danger from ignited cinders orparticles of soot falling from above and exposing fire boards andendangering the house.

A hole drilled through the thumb piece E on the dampers will be foundconvenient to afix a small Wire hook, as a lifter to the dampers; andlastly the frame may be used in lleu of a crane, by suspending hooksfrom the cross bar D.

I am aware that chimneys have been supplied with valves or shutters inthe throat or flue, for the purpose of regulating the opening in thethroat or entirely closing it, and therefore I do not claim this as ofmy invention; but

What I do claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patentis The peculiar manner in which I have applied dampers or valves, sothat they can be removed at pleasure without removing any of thefixtures, to which or by which they are attached, by having the pivotsof the valves drop into notches, made in the iron framing, which isattached or let into the throat or flue of the chimney; in which theyare retained by the weight of the iron valves, but from which they canbe removed for the purpose, and in the manner specified.

NORMAND SMITH.

lVitnesses NATHANIEL GooDwIN, HENRY FRANCIS.

